About Sarah
I've worked in the equine industry for over 43 years, with a focus for much of that time on where horses and human wellbeing meet. I opened Bishton Riding Centre 15 years ago, and alongside running it as a riding school, I've spent years delivering animal-assisted wellbeing sessions to young people from a local Alternative Education School and to Looked After Children, often supporting those in crisis. I've also taught at Rodbaston Agricultural College and worked directly with SEN and SEMH young people in school settings, including a lead role in an Alternative Education School.
This outreach service grew directly out of that work, taking the same calm, animal-led approach I've used for years and bringing it to people who can't easily come to us.
Safety You Can Trust
Every session is delivered within a fully insured, licensed and regulated environment. Bishton Riding Centre holds £2 million public liability insurance and an Exhibiting Animals Licence granted by Stafford Borough Council, and is rated Five-Star by Staffordshire County Council. All sessions are delivered under enhanced DBS clearance and a full safeguarding framework.
Qualifications & Training
Equine & Animal Welfare
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BHS Intermediate Instructor
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BHS Stable Manager
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BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science
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Cert Ed
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Update in Equine Specific First Aid Certificate (2025)
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EFL Trained (Equine Facilitated Learning)
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Equine Specific First Aid at Work
Animal-Assisted Therapy
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Diploma in Animal Assisted Therapy (2022)
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Diploma in Behaviour That Challenges
Safeguarding & Behaviour Support
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Level 3 Safeguarding (2026)
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43+ years of equine experience, including extensive work with LAC, SEN and SEMH young people
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Mental Health First Aid Trained
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Enhanced DBS
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Team Teach
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De-escalation and Restraint
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Prevent Training
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Connecting the ACEs
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Diploma in Behaviour That Challenges
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Understanding Behaviour that Challenges — Level 2
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First Aid for Mental Health (2022)
Meet the Animals
Born 1996. A calm, experienced and much-loved Shetland pony with a natural affinity for children and young people. Jack has been central to our work for many years.
Born 2002. A gentle, willing Welsh Section A mare whose quiet nature makes her particularly well-suited to working with anxious or cautious visitors.
Born 2005. Characterful, friendly and responsive — Rolo brings energy and engagement to sessions, especially for those who enjoy a little more interaction.
Our resident Labradors are on site throughout every session. Their calm, non-judgemental presence is invaluable — particularly for anyone who finds initial engagement with horses daunting.
Our sheep graze the surrounding fields and are a familiar, reassuring part of the yard environment — adding to the calm, pastoral atmosphere that makes Bishton feel unlike anywhere else.
Our wider herd includes several further horses. All animals are assessed individually for temperament and suitability before any involvement in sessions.
Get In Touch
We’re here to help you take the first step